11 Comments
User's avatar
Cindy's avatar

This is absolutely beautiful! I've been with one of those stellar men for 53 years. Don't settle for less, Olivia. You are of such value to all of us. You give me hope. Blessings. And thanks for writing about your truth.

Expand full comment
Barbara Broomall's avatar

I love what you've written here. I used to advise my daughters with what I read in a signature on a message board: "Takes a damn good man to be better than no man at all." I also advised them, there are givers and takers in this world. The takers are very good at finding the givers and sucking the life out of them. Make sure you find yourself a giver. Both of them found partners just as kind and dedicated and loving and FUN as their father, to whom I've been married for 51 years. One married her wife last year, the other has been well married for 17 years, two kids just as awesome as their parents. There's goodness out there. I glad you're finding it.

Expand full comment
birdmom410's avatar

Lovely article! You made me think of this quote from Emma, by Jane Austen: “I always deserve the best treatment because I never put up with any other.” You deserve the best, don't ever forget that!

Expand full comment
Thomas Hackett's avatar

You're young. That doesn't mean your experiences aren't important. Most of us ruminate on our early 20s the rest of our lives. But there's so much you don't yet know about yourself, and can't know, until you get there. Enjoy the journey.

Expand full comment
Janice Mink's avatar

You are one of the bravest people I know.

Expand full comment
Nancy E. Holroyd, RN's avatar

Lucky you, that you found a lovely friendship group that is modeling healthy couple friendships and love relationships. This is an essay with high value for so many readers. Well done.

Expand full comment
Amy M Stewart's avatar

Lovely write up! I didn't find love until my late 30s. Hang in there.

Expand full comment
Theresa Finn's avatar

I’m a mere 76 … single now … and you are so right. I wish I’d read your article when I was 20. It might have saved me a lot of heartbreak.

Expand full comment
Cursed Loot Box's avatar

When you stop looking, you’ll see it. When you stop searching you’ll find it. Backwards Law in action.

Expand full comment
Sam Ray's avatar

As you know well, 🧠 isn't done fully forming until about 25 so 😍shifts are the norm pre-25.

Expand full comment
Angela Eastlack's avatar

What a lovely article. I’m so happy for you-you deserve it. Enjoy.

Expand full comment